For over three decades, the Islanders have been ran poorly, struggled, and failed to find any consistent success. But finally, in 2020, it seems as if times have changed for the organization. Now the question is- Are the Islanders Really Stanley Cup Contenders?

Last year, after sweeping the Pittsburgh Penguins in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Islanders looked like they were ready to take the next step and become a legitimate Cup contender. However, they were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes, leaving fans uneasy about what was such a magical season.

This year, however, feels different. The Islanders have absolutely dominated their competition so far in the postseason, outscoring Florida and Washington 23-7 at even strength and not allowing more than 29 shots in a single game. In fact, the seven goals the Islanders have allowed at even strength is less than any of the other 24 teams in this year’s postseason, including those that were eliminated in the play-in round.

So, the answer to the question- “Are the Islanders Really Cup Contenders?” is much more simple than it may seem. Let me preface this by saying any of the eight clubs that have moved on to the Second Round are legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Eight excellent teams with good goaltending have moved on, and anything can happen. So yes, the Islanders are Stanley Cup Contenders.

However, when most fans think of the words “Cup Contenders,” teams such as Boston, Tampa Bay, Colorado, and Vegas come to mind. The Islanders aren’t usually in the conversation, which is arguably a good thing. The Islanders are quietly winning games, without the pressure of having extremely high expectations. In other words, they are the dark horse team in a loaded Eastern Conference.

The Islanders right now, statistically and visually, have been the most dominant team in the Eastern Conference so far. The question is whether that can be sustained for another three playoff rounds which will automatically be against very worthy opponents. The Islanders are indeed Cup Contenders but there are three main keys outlined below that will determine whether this team will come home with a ring or not.

1. Semyon Varlamov

Goaltending is everything in the playoffs. So far, Semyon Varlamov has been everything you can ask for and more. With a 7-2-0 record, .934% SV, and 1.67 GAA, the Russian net minder has gotten off to a tremendous start.

In the past, however, Varlamov has been inconsistent. While it does not seem like Varlamov will struggle anytime soon with how solid he is playing, performances from goaltenders can never be guaranteed.

For example, after Jordan Binnington led his team to a Stanley Cup last season, he had a horrific postseason with a 4.72 GAA and .851% SV this year. Nobody expected Binnington to decline so sharply, but it did happen. While it doesn’t seem that Varlamov will be an issue, he has been on-and-off in the past, and if the Islanders want to take home the Stanley Cup Varlamov will have to continue to play stellar. He is capable of it, especially in front of the Islanders’ structured defense.

2. Special Teams

The only negative takeaway from the Islanders’ last two series wins was the special teams. They were so dominant at even strength, as mentioned before, it was able to guide them forward past Florida and Washington. However, it is very unlikely the Islanders will be able to keep up their 5-on-5 domination to that extent against Philadelphia, and any other teams they would play coming forward if that were the case.

The Islanders will not win a Stanley Cup if improvements aren’t made to their special teams. A 15.8% power play and 75% penalty kill is simply not good enough. In close playoff games, the winner usually comes down to who had the better special teams. The Islanders haven’t had that yet, and need to find a way to make that happen. Stanley Cup winners always have average special teams at the very least.

3. Depth Scoring

Lastly, the Islanders need to continue to get offensive contribution throughout their entire lineup. This will be key going forwards. All four lines have been putting up goals, and a balanced offensive attack is needed for a Cup run. So far, the Islanders have done a fantastic job in that department, as shown by the balance in their point and goal leaders.

Point Leaders:

1. Josh Bailey 10
2. Anthony Beauvillier 9
3. Mathew Barzal 7
4. Brock Nelson 7
5. Jean-Gabriel Pageau 6
6. Ryan Pulock 6
7. Jordan Eberle 5
8. Devon Toews 4
9. Anders Lee 3
10. Nick Leddy 3

Goal Leaders:

1. Anthony Beauvillier 6 (T-1st in NHL)
2. Jean-Gabriel Pageau 4
3. Mathew Barzal 3
4. Brock Nelson 3
5. Jordan Eberle 3
6. Anders Lee 3
7. Josh Bailey 2
8. Nick Leddy 2
9. Matt Martin 2
10. Ryan Pulock 1

The Islanders are nowhere close to the Stanley Cup yet, but they are putting out an excellent team that will be a threat to anyone they play. The time is now, and it will be fun to watch it all unfold.

John Smark